Slovakian premier: West partly to blame for ongoing war in Ukraine

Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico has suggested that the West bears part of the responsibility for the ongoing lack of peace in Ukraine.

"This is a war that began with a violation of international law by Russia. But today, the West supports the continuation of the war to bring Russia to its knees," the Social Democrat politician told the news channel TA3 on Sunday.

The left-wing populist considers the NATO invitation demanded by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to be dangerous, asserting: "It is not a good idea to admit Ukraine into NATO, as it would be a threat to the whole world. Ukraine should instead remain neutral and receive security guarantees for this."

Fico warned that Ukraine's accession to NATO could directly lead to World War III.

Slovakia directly borders Ukraine and is a member of both the EU and NATO. The government in Bratislava supports Ukraine's EU membership.

It assists Kiev with energy supplies and mine clearance systems, but no longer with weapons from its own army stocks since Fico took office again after his election victory a year ago for the fourth time.

However, the Slovakian defence industry continues to produce howitzers and ammunition for the Ukrainian military on a commercial basis.